Don’t Let Holiday Shopping Deals Put Your Data or The Planet at Risk

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming, and millions of people and businesses will be upgrading devices at the same time. The deals are everywhere. Phones, laptops, monitors, tablets, and accessories are suddenly hundreds of dollars off, and retailers are offering bundles, limited-time discounts, and free shipping that can make it hard to resist. While it is tempting to click “buy” on the latest tech, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with this shopping surge. Upgrading tech often means old devices are discarded, and if they are not properly handled, they can create serious data security and environmental issues.

Globally, over 62 million metric tons of electronic waste were generated in 2024, and less than a quarter was properly recycled. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these numbers spike as consumers and companies replace phones, laptops, monitors, and other electronics. Much of this equipment is still functional but ends up in storage, landfills, or shipped to overseas facilities where it is improperly disposed of. Electronic devices often contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if disposed of improperly.

Data security is another significant concern. Hard drives, SSDs, servers, and other storage devices often retain recoverable information even after a factory reset. This is a risk for businesses and individuals alike, particularly during the holiday season when cybercriminals take advantage of the increased online activity. Phishing attacks and scam websites spike dramatically around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with some estimates showing increases of up to 692%, highlighting how quickly cybercriminals try to exploit the rush of online shopping. Proper and secure disposal of old devices is critical to protecting your sensitive information.

4THBIN provides certified secure data destruction services to ensure that all data-bearing devices are fully wiped or physically destroyed. Certificates of destruction are provided for every device, giving organizations and individuals documented proof that sensitive information has been properly handled.

We also provide secure and sustainable electronics recycling. Devices that are still functional can be refurbished or reused, and all retired electronics are processed through responsible channels to keep harmful materials out of landfills. Our services include scheduled pickups and full office cleanouts, with every device tracked and documented from collection to final processing. This ensures compliance, reduces environmental impact, and allows companies to upgrade technology safely.

This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, take a moment to evaluate your current tech. The deals are tempting, but before you spend hundreds or thousands on new devices, consider what you already have. Properly handling old technology protects sensitive data, reduces electronic waste, and can prevent unnecessary equipment purchases.

At 4THBIN, we set the standard for secure and sustainable electronics recycling. We support over 10,000 businesses nationwide, from Fortune 100 companies to growing startups. Our services are NAID certified for data erasure and destruction and e-Stewards certified for recycling, so you can be confident every step is handled securely and responsibly.

Schedule a pickup or office cleanout with us to safely destroy your data and recycle your electronics the right way. Protect your business, safeguard your clients, and reduce your environmental impact before the holiday shopping rush begins.